Chiwawa River Ridge

Attractions: This is a fun trail with lots of up and down. Some of the ups are thigh-burning. Some of the downs are brake-burning. All in all, though, this is a great trail for experienced bikers and adventurous beginners. After parking, go left onto trail #1548. The trail basically parallels road #62 for the whole journey, so if you want to bail out early you can.

Skill: 2 (intermediate)

Fitness: 2 (intermediate)

Distance: 9 miles

Best Seasons: Early summer- early fall

Maps. See our map.

Access: From Leavenworth, start your odometer after you pass the gas station on the corner of Icicle Road and Highway 2 West. Drive 14.5 miles on Hwy 2 West and take a right on route #207 following signs to Lake Wenatchee/Fish Lake Recreation Area (or if traveling from Stevens Pass go 20.2 miles and take a left on #207). Go 4.4 miles on #207 and, after crossing cross the Wenatchee River, veer right on Chiwawa River Road. Soon you will pass Midway Store. About a half mile past the store, go left at Meadow Creek Road (road #62). Follow about 3 miles and go right on road #6100 (you’ll see signs for Grouse Creek Campground). The trailhead and parking area are on the opposite side of the road from the Goose Creek Campground.

Hazards: Wear mosquito repellant during the summer and watch for dirt bikes on weekends. Sections of the trail will become loose late in the season but the Forest Service has been installing erosion blocks each year. Trail opens around Memorial Day and is good into late September.

“This trail is a fun little ride with banked turns, rolling hills, and has good rhythm. However, there were some parts of the trail with obstructions but could easily be avoidable. The trailhead is also very easy to find. I am an intermediate rider and felt very comfortable on it, and I’m sure experienced kids would have no problem with it either. I would definitely do this trail again if I was in the area, but probably wouldn’t drive out from Seattle to do it.”

Leave It Better than You Found It. This should be every user’s goal. Pick up trash left by others, pull noxious weeds along your route, throw branches over unwanted spur trails, etc.

Disclaimer. Treat this information as recommendations, not gospel. Conditions change and those contributing these reports are volunteers–they may make mistakes or not know all the issues affecting a route. You are responsible for yourself, your actions, and your safety. If you won’t accept that responsibility, you are prohibited from using our information.